The beautiful Brown Castle overlooking Portofino

Il bel Castello Brown che domina il borgo di Portofino

The beautiful Castello Brown overlooking the village of Portofino.
Situated in a panoramic position above the port of Portofino, Castello Brown is a place rich in history and charm. Originally known as Castello di San Giorgio, this military fortress dates back to the Middle Ages, when the Genoese built it to defend the Gulf of Portofino.
Over the centuries, the castle has undergone numerous renovations and extensions. One of the most important figures in the history of the castle is Montague Yeats Brown, the English consul in Genoa, who purchased the fortress in 1867. Brown transformed the castle into a private residence, even planting the two famous pine trees on the main terrace on his wedding day.
After Brown's death in 1905, the castle passed to his descendants, who looked after it until 1949. It was then sold to the Baber family, who restored several ruined sections. In 1961, the Municipality of Portofino purchased the castle and opened it to the public, using it to host public and private events.
Today, Castello Brown is one of Portofino's main attractions, offering breathtaking views of the village and the Gulf of Tigullio. The castle's lush terrace juts out vertically above the village, offering a unique and spectacular view. The castle is surrounded by a Mediterranean garden full of cypress trees, flowers and pergolas, creating an enchanting and relaxing atmosphere.
Castello Brown is not only a place of great natural beauty, but also an ideal location for special events such as weddings, art exhibitions and conferences. Thanks to its privileged location and impeccable organization, the castle continues to be a symbol of elegance and history in Portofino.
If you find yourself in Portofino, a visit to Castello Brown is an unmissable experience. Not only will you be able to admire its historic architecture and gardens, but you will also enjoy a panoramic view that will leave you breathless.

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Il bel Castello Brown che domina il borgo di Portofino

Photo taken with Canon EOS M100 and lens Tamron 16-300.

Here is the official website of the castle: castellobrown.com.

To see all (or many) of the photos I took in Portofino, click here:
foto gallery

Here's where the castle is located:

Brown Castle, previously called San Giorgio Castle, is a defensive building and noble residence located on the slopes of the Castle in Portofino, in Tigullio. The first official news about the current structure dates back to 1425 when Tomaso Fregoso, Doge of the Republic of Genoa until 1421, occupied the village of Portofino and its fortress in opposition to Filippo Maria Visconti, Duke of Milan. In 1430 it returned to being a dominion of Genoa thanks to Francesco Spinola di Ottobono. The castle, located in a strategic position because it had a wide view of the village and the Gulf of Tigullio, was repeatedly the object of continuous attempts at occupation and sieges until the early years of the 15th century.
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The beautiful Brown Castle that dominates the village of Portofino – Le magnifique Château Brun qui domine le village de Portofino – El hermoso Castillo Marrón que domina el pueblo de Portofino – O belo Castelo Castanho que domina a vila de Portofino – Das wunderschöne Brown Castle, das das Dorf Portofino dominiert – Lâu đài Brown xinh đẹp thống trị ngôi làng Portofino

The text of the post was written with the help of Copilot, a virtual assistant based on artificial intelligence.
References:
– https://www.castellobrown.com
– https://www.italyscapes.com/places/liguria/portofino/castles/castello-brown
– https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g187825-d2080365-Reviews-Castello_Brown-Portofino_Italian_Riviera_Liguria.html

A glimpse of the modern arcades of Lavagna

Uno scorcio dei portici moderni di Lavagna

A glimpse of the modern arcades of Lavagna.
Lavagna, located in the heart of the Gulf of Tigullio, is a town that combines the charm of tradition with touches of modernity. Its arcades, which wind around the main streets of the center, are a perfect example of how contemporary architecture can enrich the urban landscape.
Some are very typical and ancient, with slate elements. Others are much more recent and modern (like the ones in the photo of this post) like these on Via Nuova Italia.
The arcades of Lavagna are characterized by materials such as stone and decorated with beautiful mosaics, which give an elegant and refined look. These arcades offer ideal shelter from both the summer sun and the winter rain, making it pleasant to walk around the city in every season.
Under the arcades, there are numerous shops, cafes and restaurants that invite you to stop for a break. This covered path is always lively, with residents and tourists mingling, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere. It is the perfect place to go shopping, enjoy a coffee or simply observe the city life.
The porticos are not only an architectural element, but also a meeting point for the local community. Here, the inhabitants of Lavagna meet to shop, chat and enjoy a moment of relaxation. This makes the porticos a dynamic and social place, where you can breathe the authentic atmosphere of Ligurian life.
For those visiting Lavagna, a walk under the porticos is an experience not to be missed. In addition to offering a unique view of the city, they allow you to discover hidden corners and architectural details that tell the story and culture of this fascinating Ligurian village.

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Uno scorcio dei portici moderni di Lavagna

Photo taken with Canon EOS RP and lens Canon RF 24-50.

Here is the spot where I took this photo:

A glimpse of the modern arcades of Lavagna – Un aperçu des portiques modernes de Lavagna – Un vistazo a los pórticos modernos de Lavagna – Um vislumbre dos pórticos modernos de Lavagna – Ein Blick auf die modernen Portiken von Lavagna – Một cái nhìn thoáng qua về những mái hiên hiện đại của Lavagna

The alley of Sestri Levante, the heart of the town

Il caruggio di Sestri Levante, cuore della cittadina

The caruggio of Sestri Levante, the heart of the town.
In the heart of Sestri Levante, one of the pearls of Liguria, is the famous caruggio, officially known as Via XXV Aprile. This narrow pedestrian alley is the nerve center of city life, a place where history, culture and everyday life intertwine in a fascinating mosaic.
Walking along the caruggio is like taking a step back in time. The colorful houses, with their decorated facades and flower-filled balconies, tell stories of a rich and vibrant past. Each building has its own unique character, reflecting the traditional Ligurian architecture that makes Sestri Levante so special.
The caruggio is always lively, especially during the summer months. Here you will find numerous shops, bars, bakeries and restaurants offering a wide range of local products and culinary specialties. It is the ideal place to go shopping, enjoy an artisanal ice cream or simply sit at a café and watch the world go by.
The caruggio is not just a road, but a path that leads to one of the most iconic places in Sestri Levante: the Baia del Silenzio. This corner of paradise, with its crystal clear waters and golden beach, is easily reached by walking along the caruggio, making the experience even more magical.

Visiting the caruggio of Sestri Levante means immersing yourself in the authenticity of Ligurian life. It is a place where the past and present meet, creating a unique and unforgettable atmosphere. Whether you are a tourist looking for new discoveries or a resident who loves his city, the caruggio always offers something special.

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Il caruggio di Sestri Levante, cuore della cittadina

Photo taken with Canon EOS RP and lens Canon RF 24-50.

The alley of Sestri Levante, the heart of the town – La ruelle de Sestri Levante, le cœur de la ville – El callejón de Sestri Levante, el corazón de la ciudad – O beco de Sestri Levante, o coração da cidade – Die Gasse von Sestri Levante, das Herz der Stadt – Con hẻm Sestri Levante, trung tâm thị trấn

The text of the post was written with the help of Copilot, a virtual assistant based on artificial intelligence.

A small portico of the small port of Genoa Nervi

Un piccolo portico del porticciolo di Genova Nervi

A small portico of the small port of Genoa Nervi.
One of the seaside villages that over time have been incorporated into the city of Genoa is Nervi.
This is a small portico ideal for protecting the bassi (those rooms on the ground floor used as cellars and storage rooms) and the boats during stormy seas.

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Un piccolo portico del porticciolo di Genova Nervi

Photo taken with Canon EOS RP and lens Canon RF 28.

To see all the photos of Nervi click here:

Where is the porch located:

A first urban settlement arose in the current area between the Roman bridge and the small port and already in the first decades of the Christian era a station for stopping and changing horses was mentioned in an area considered strategic and as a point of embarkation to and from goods going to and from the Bisagno and Fontanabuona valleys.
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A small portico of the small port of Genoa Nervi – Un petit portique du petit port de Gênes Nervi – Un pequeño pórtico del pequeño puerto de Génova Nervi – Um pequeno pórtico do pequeno porto de Génova Nervi – Ein kleiner Portikus des kleinen Hafens von Genua Nervi – Một cổng nhỏ của cảng nhỏ Genoa Nervi

The large churchyard of Santo Stefano in Lavagna

L'ampio sagrato di Santo Stefano a Lavagna

The large churchyard of Santo Stefano in Lavagna.
The churchyard of the Basilica of Santo Stefano in Lavagna is famous for its beautiful risseu, mosaics made from black and white pebbles arranged in geometric patterns. The basilica itself, located in the town of Lavagna in Liguria, is an imposing structure that dominates the town and the surrounding sea.
The Basilica of Santo Stefano in Lavagna has a fascinating history that dates back many centuries. The first mention of a religious building on the site dates back to the 6th century, although some sources suggest it may be even older. Originally, there was a signal tower for sailors on the site, next to which the first church was built.
Over the centuries, the basilica has undergone numerous changes and restorations. In 1060, it was elevated to a collegiate church and became an important ecclesiastical center under the protection of the Holy See of Rome. The noble Fieschi family, who dominated the region, always had a special regard for the church, considering it a religious reference point of their dominion.
The current structure of the basilica was completed in 1668, with the consecration taking place in 1703. In 1921, Pope Benedict XV elevated the church to the rank of minor basilica.
The basilica is also known for its richly decorated interior and for the churchyard with the characteristic black and white pebble mosaics, typical of the Ligurian tradition.

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L'ampio sagrato di Santo Stefano a Lavagna

Photo taken with Canon EOS RP and lens Canon RF 24-50.

Here is where the church is located:

The collegiate basilica of Santo Stefano is a Catholic place of worship in the municipality of Lavagna, in Piazza Guglielmo Marconi, in the metropolitan city of Genoa. The church is the seat of the parish of the same name of the vicariate of Chiavari-Lavagna of the diocese of Chiavari.
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The churchyard of the church of Santo Stefano a Lavagna – Le cimetière de l’église de Santo Stefano a Lavagna – El cementerio de la iglesia de Santo Stefano a Lavagna – O adro da igreja de Santo Stefano a Lavagna – Der Kirchhof der Kirche Santo Stefano a Lavagna – Sân nhà thờ Santo Stefano a Lavagna – 圣斯特凡诺拉瓦尼亚教堂的墓地 – サント ステファノ ア ラヴァーニャ教会の墓地

The text of the post was written with the help of Copilot, a virtual assistant based on artificial intelligence.
References:
– http://www.comune.lavagna.ge.it/content/chiese-e-monumenti
– https://www.tripadvisor.in/Attraction_Review-g194788-d7785459-Reviews-Basilica_di_Santo_Stefano-Lavagna_Italian_Riviera_Liguria.html

The caruggio of Mattarana a small Ligurian village

Il caruggio di Mattarana un piccolo borgo ligure

The caruggio of Mattarana a small Ligurian village.
Mattarana is a small village located in the province of La Spezia, in Liguria. This charming village is known for its characteristic caruggio, a narrow street that runs through the entire village, offering a unique and authentic experience to visitors.
The caruggio of Mattarana, known as Via Aldo Moro, is the beating heart of the village. The stone houses that overlook this narrow street tell stories of a distant past, keeping the medieval atmosphere intact. Walking along the caruggio, you can admire unique architectural details and picturesque views that make Mattarana a special place.
Surrounded by the mountains of the Val di Vara, Mattarana offers breathtaking views and direct contact with nature. The olive groves and surrounding woods invite you to walk and hike, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquility and beauty of the Ligurian landscape.
Life in the village is marked by ancient traditions and a strong sense of community. The people of Mattarana are proud of their roots and customs, which are reflected in local festivals and religious celebrations. The church of San Giovanni Battista, located near the caruggio, is an important reference point for the community.
The caruggio of Mattarana is a hidden gem of Liguria, a place where time seems to have stopped. With its fascinating history, enchanting landscapes and vibrant culture, Mattarana is an ideal destination for those seeking an authentic and unforgettable experience.

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Il caruggio di Mattarana un piccolo borgo ligure

Photo taken with Honor 20.

To see all the photos I took in the village click here:

Here is where the village is located:

The caruggio of Mattarana a small Ligurian village – Le caruggio de Mattarana est un petit village ligure – El caruggio de Mattarana es un pequeño pueblo de Liguria – O caruggio de Mattarana é uma pequena aldeia da Ligúria – Das Caruggio von Mattarana ist ein kleines ligurisches Dorf – Caruggio của Mattarana là một ngôi làng nhỏ ở Ligurian

The text of the post was written with the help of Copilot, a virtual assistant based on artificial intelligence.

Under the arcades of the alley of Chiavari

Sotto i portici del caruggio di Chiavari

Under the arcades of the caruggio of Chiavari.
Chiavari, located in the heart of Tigullio, is a city that enchants with its historical charm and traditions. One of the most characteristic aspects of Chiavari is its “caruggio dritto”, also known as Via Martiri della Liberazione, a place where time seems to have stopped.
Walking under the arcades of the caruggio of Chiavari is like taking a dip into the past. These nineteenth-century arcades, with their elegant arches and colorful buildings, tell the story of a city that has managed to preserve its architectural and cultural heritage. The caruggio is the beating heart of Chiavari, where you can find historic shops, typical restaurants and artisan workshops.
The arcades of the caruggio are a perfect example of Ligurian architecture. The lines of the arches and the bright colors of the buildings create a unique atmosphere, which invites you to stroll calmly, admiring the details and breathing in the air of a bygone era. During the walk, you can discover buildings of great prestige such as Palazzo Rocca and the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Giardino.
Chiavari is a lively and dynamic city, which offers numerous events throughout the year. The antiques market, held every second weekend of the month, is an unmissable event for those who love vintage objects and unique pieces. In addition, the caruggio hosts festivals and events that celebrate typical products and local traditions.
Under the arcades of the caruggio of Chiavari you can breathe a magical atmosphere, made of history, culture and traditions. It is a place where every corner tells a story and every step is a journey through time. If you have not yet visited Chiavari, I invite you to do so and let yourself be enchanted by its timeless charm.

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Sotto i portici del caruggio di Chiavari

Photo taken with Canon EOS RP and lens Canon RF 28.

Under the arcades of the alley of Chiavari – Sous les arcades de l’allée de Chiavari – Bajo las arcadas del callejón de Chiavari – Sob as arcadas do beco de Chiavari – Unter den Arkaden der Gasse von Chiavari – Dưới mái vòm của con hẻm Chiavari

The text of the post was written with the help of Copilot, a virtual assistant based on artificial intelligence.
References:
– https://lamialiguria.it/localita/chiavari/

A stroll through the alleyway of Sestri Levante in Liguria

Due passi nel caruggio di Sestri Levante in Liguria

A stroll through the caruggio of Sestri Levante in Liguria.
More or less around this time, but last year, I took this beautiful photo of the caruggio (this is what the pedestrian street that crosses a village is called in Liguria) of my town, Sestri Levante.
Almost deserted, just as many Sestresi like it.

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Due passi nel caruggio di Sestri Levante in Liguria

Photo taken with Canon EOS RP and lens Canon RF 24-50.

Here is the spot where I took this photo:

Strolling through the splendid alleyway of Sestri Levante – Se promener dans la splendide ruelle de Sestri Levante – Caminando por el espléndido callejón de Sestri Levante – Caminhando no esplêndido beco de Sestri Levante – Ein Spaziergang durch die herrliche Gasse von Sestri Levante – Dạo bước trong con hẻm lộng lẫy của Sestri Levante

A sumptuous villa in Viale Millo in Chiavari

Una sontuosa villa in Viale Millo a Chiavari

A sumptuous villa on Viale Millo in Chiavari.
Sooner or later I will have photographed them all, the beautiful villas that populate the western side of Viale Enrico Millo.
As many of you have written to me, they are almost all homes built by Chiavari emigrants who returned rich from the Americas.

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Una sontuosa villa in Viale Millo a Chiavari

Photo taken with Honor 20.

Here is where the villa is located:

Enrico Millo di Casalgiate (Chiavari, 12 February 1865 – Rome, 14 June 1930) was an Italian soldier and politician. He was an admiral of the Royal Navy and Minister of the Navy of the Kingdom of Italy. He was decorated with the gold medal for military valor. He was born in Chiavari in 1865 to Gustavo Millo of the Counts of Casalgiate and Maria Luisa Altoè of the Counts Anguissola di Altoè.
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A beautiful villa in Viale Enrico Millo in Chiavari – Une belle villa dans Viale Enrico Millo à Chiavari – Una hermosa villa en Viale Enrico Millo en Chiavari – Uma bela vila na Viale Enrico Millo em Chiavari – Eine wunderschöne Villa in der Viale Enrico Millo in Chiavari – Một biệt thự xinh đẹp ở Viale Enrico Millo ở Chiavari

The wonderful door of the Saline in Rapallo

La meravigliosa Porta delle Saline a Rapallo

The wonderful Porta delle Saline in Rapallo.
Perhaps a little hidden but truly one of the most beautiful things to see in the center of Rapallo.
It is located at the end of the seafront promenade and can be walked along to enter the alley.

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La meravigliosa Porta delle Saline a Rapallo

La meravigliosa Porta delle Saline a Rapallo

Photo taken with Canon EOS RP and lens Canon RF 28.

Where is the gate located:

It is the only survivor of the five gates of the ancient “walled village”, and owes its name to its proximity to the salt mines, of which the Genoese Doria family had a monopoly, which were active for many centuries in the flat area near the beach in the centre of the gulf.
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The wonderful door of the Saline in Rapallo – La magnifique porte Saline à Rapallo – La maravillosa puerta Salina en Rapallo – O maravilhoso portão Salino em Rapallo – Das wunderbare Saline-Tor in Rapallo – Cổng Saline tuyệt vời ở Rapallo